Newcomers get first true taste of SEC style Saturday

By George Schroeder, USA TODAY

For months, ever since his school announced it was joining the SEC, Missouri's Gary Pinkel has been asked, over and over — and then a couple more times — some version of the same question: "How are we gonna match up?"

By Chris Lee, St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP

Missouri will look to upset Georgia when it hosts its first SEC conference game Saturday.

Missouri will look to upset Georgia when it hosts its first SEC conference game Saturday.

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We'll begin to see Saturday night, when the Tigers host No. 7 Georgia. Pinkel is more than ready to finally provide an answer.

"We have to go earn respect," the Tigers' coach said. "I have no problem doing that."

A few hours earlier and a few hundred miles away, the SEC's other new member will host No. 23 Florida — like Missouri, Texas A&M left behind the Big 12 - and SEC Commissioner Mike Slive is treating their debuts as a big deal. He plans to participate in the coin tosses in College Station, Texas, (3:30 p.m. kickoff) and Columbia, Mo. (7:45 p.m.).

Pinkel called the occasion "very historic" and said he understands "people are putting a lot into this game," but cautioned that whatever happens Saturday, the Tigers still have 10 more to play. That's for Sunday, though. Anticipation at both schools has been building for months.

Earlier this week, a billboard reading "You've been annexed by Aggie Nation" appeared in Gainesville, Fla. — and then was quickly taken down after Texas A&M officials complained of trademark infringement. Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson drew Pinkel's ire for saying Georgia's play resembled "Big Ten football … old-man football."

Sumlin said he was disappointed by the postponement of the Aggies' season opener against Louisiana Tech in Shreveport, La., because of Hurricane Isaac, but said it solved one potential issue.

"Two weeks ago, it was, 'How do you keep your team focused?' " Sumlin said. "Now we're pretty much in line with the fans and the excitement. There's a real buzz around here."

Added Pinkel: "I've got great respect for the league and for Georgia. Now, it's time to go play."